DIY Sliding Crosscut Table. Ultimate Tablesaw Accessory

[@milangrujovic]

Hi David. Amazing work! As an engineer that builds similar sliding systems, I have a suggestion for you. Those extra wagons that slide in and out are going to be ruined quite soon. So as an alternative, make two rollers that are going to be at those locations. They do not need to guide the table, they just need to support it. That is why some simple rollers will do. Other than that, I was amazed by this build. Keep making great stuff, and even better videos!

[@Noxhz]

I was thinking the same thing! In addition, since there is an aluminium v-slot profile at the bottom you could use v-slot wheels with excentric nuts, making it possible to finetune the support and engagement!

[@nwngunner]

I was thinking just add some additional rails

[@emilebeckerseb]

I think the main issue with this sled is that it's way too far away from the blade. But I'm happy to see Americans finally seeing the advantage of a sliding table saw.

[@nwngunner]

@@emilebeckerseb this is more, for cross cut not rip

[@christianp3388]

Yeah roller ball bearings

[@linsen8890]

Oh man, did I *ever* need those transfer screws when I built my router sled using linear rails a few months ago! That's way easier than trying to measure and lay out the hole positions for the screws into the slide blocks! Just knowing about those transfer screws made watching this video 100% worth it! Great work as usual, David!

[@genesishep]

You asked for ideas. I found a crosscut table build on a tiny KZbin channel called DIY Woodworking for Aug16 posted a couple months ago. The cool part is he didn't just build the table he built the entire table saw and has been documenting in the building several videos. It's a pretty incredible thing to watch how it's come together, I only wish he included in verbal instructions as well as visual. Thanks for this! So far I've only found DIY videos on crosscut tables from you and the older one from that small channel I mentioned. So appreciated

[@NeonLightedDreams]

I've been out of the loop with maker youtube for years now as I've been exploring other interests, and today I hear someone say the words "router sled" and my curiosity lands me right back in Dave's shop in a 2 hour old video and I just want to say I'm so glad to be back. Cheers, with all extremities intact 🤙🏻

[@chrissekely]

I will keep this short. Thank you for being so honest about your problems and mistakes. Please never stop doing that.

[@childlover39657]

Future improvement idea, mount the rails to the sled and not the base, that way you could extend the slide out as far as you want and you wouldn’t have to worry about twisting, rigidity, or adding the extra bearings.

[@MakeSomething]

YES! This would reduce the cost because I wouldn't need the extruded aluminum. Brilliant.

[@scottbg1]

One thing I would be worried about when mounting the rails to the underside of the slide would be the counter lever effect that would be placed on the bearings. They're already experiencing this with the present mounting, but now you'd have the added weight of the rails, and with the table fully extended I would worry that it would pull the bearings blocks located at the far end, out. This could be remedied with a metal sheet instead of using ply. Don't you think?

[@408sjsouthbay]

You could easily unbolt it from the angle iron and flip it over with minor modifications. Longer bearing blocks would help as well.

[@mazevx2451]

Agree and that's actually how it is often done with professional equipment, but be aware, not every rail is made for this use case, some need support structure

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

I bought a used Delta Unisaw special addition 53" with the Excalibur cross cut table extension. It is large enough to cut sheet goods and well as smaller lumber. It is an awesom accessory and eliminates the need for a cross cut sled and makes cutting larger sheet ply much easier. Highly recommend this accessory of something like this.....

[@nevadacool]

This is definitely one of the most useful videos you have ever put out. I've been looking for a way to attach a sliding table to my sawstop for over a year. And I think by following most of the things that you did I will be able to make one for less than the $1,300 required to buy one from sawstop. Thank you so much!

[@saxus]

Or just sell your SawStop and buy a proper sliding table saw. Then you can throw out a gigantic outfeed table and crosscut sleds too.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

David, this is by far the best thing in my mind that you have made! Both in ingenuity and humor, with hidden sub lines, I really enjoyed this video!

[@billpalmer7723]

All I can say is Thank you good sir for inspiring me to do this because when you married for 38 years and raising our grand children on a budget I will be making this on my 1982 10 inch Dayton old table saw this will allow the grand children and I to safely use it thank you 😊 bill the deaf man can woodworker from Kansas

[@josephclark5965]

Love it. I'm kind of picky about videos but I subscribed in the first 5 minutes. Reasons - 1. thinking about and taking the time for things like "if you don't have a welder, do this". 2. The small issues weren't edited out. 3. A++ on "but I couldn't find my router bit." In short, it's real and relatable. 2 things that are sadly lacking in many channels these days.

[@DrakeInSilver]

David, thank you for showing you wrangling the full sheet of melamine. It was a wonderful empathetic chuckle, having been there so many times my self. And such a fantastic project.

[@MAKEITSF]

Great project. You may want to consider an in-feed support for the right side, given the 40 inch depth and holding larger panels.

[@RANDALLEakin]

I made a sled from 1/2 in plywood with oak rails that fit the mitre Guage channels on the table saw .This makes shot work of crosscut. Works fantastic.

[@sanderson4762]

Hey David, I also built a sliding table saw, however I put my rails mounted on the actual table slide and the bearings on the actual table saw. My 2 rails are vertical and my upside down "L" table slides. I also put T-track in my slide table for hold downs and my fence on my slide table is now moves easily to have angles cut where I want them. I took lots of pictures as I was making this and just like you, I was also excited to get it completed. Also, YES, I use it all the time. Very seldom will I get out a crosscut sled. I laughed as you were making yours because I knew what kind of feeling you were going through. Great job.

[@MakeSomething]

I have not used my crosscut sled since. It's such a luxury. Are there any photos of your online I can look at?!

[@lightspeedguru]

Here is an idea for v2.0... try mounting the rails to the bottom of the sliding table (upside down) instead of facing upwards. This will prevent the need for the stiffener bar that you mounted to the underside of the table to keep it from bowing.

[@twotwentyseven]

Very nice, good job showing so much of the process, including slight hiccups that will help others. The micro adjustment for the fence angle is good for your initial build, but you could probably just use two fixed pins for all future registration. My experience with Excalibur sliders was that I never had to micro adjust but always worried the adjusting set screws would move.

[@dannyross]

When you talked about this on the podcast I was excited. I never imagined how freaking awesome this would be. I think you just got me exciting about woodworking again! Thank you thank you thank you.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I have no intention of ever building this. But I absolutely enjoyed the build. And what a great diy version for people who don’t want to feel weird at the table saw or who don’t have the money for the other. Metal shard flying at your eye…. And this is why eye protection is so important. A piece of wood would be bad enough…. Metal… It hurts thinking about it.

[@ronniestanley75]

Every time I am drilling, I reach for Tap-Dat-Ass drilling compound. Makes your bits get in there DEEP!

[@kellyskinkis8909]

I've been tossing around doing this exact project! I looked at the commercial options and didn't like them. My plan was also linear rails but now, thanks to you, I can speed the build because you pointed out the details. I also enjoy welding so one addition I'm considering is making it fold down for space concerns. NP, I got this! Thanks to you.

[@LiloUkulele]

I saw a fold down on YT made out of 80/20

[@kellyskinkis8909]

@@LiloUkulele I'll have to look for that. I just thought it would allow for flexibility and space savings.

[@semo_woodworks8837]

After I listen to the podcast at work I looked for this video. It pops up this morning. Looks cool.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Great progress. I would take out the extension wing on the left hand side so the over all width stays about the same. Then add a pivoting extension arm, similar to european style sliding table saws. When you need to cut big sheets, use the extension arm as support. Otherwise, lock the arm down and just use the sliding table.

[@GarrettGoss]

An idea if you decide you want to eliminate the hop: instead of adding extra slide blocks to the bottom of the sled, add one or more transfer ball bearings to the bottom (ball facing up) so that they always support the top without a hop.

[@dallasdynasty0077]

I admire your beautiful shop, your craftsmanship, and your editing with a twist of goofy moments. Perfect channel!

[@TheHuskyPatch]

Dude! That's awesome. I have to admit I did just see another version yesterday on KZbin. However, on that version, they mounted the rail to the sled part and the brackets went on the base. That way you wouldn't have the rails exposed when you slide it back, and have that extra table space if you need it. Either way, it's awesome!!

[@vaulttwoface3846]

For those wanting the smooth texture of the melamine surface but want the strength of plywood, look up concreting form ply, otherwise called film-face ply. great stuff. super smooth, super strong, resistant to moisture too.

[@markdoring4302]

Wow, I've been searching for ideas on sliding tables not only for my Rockwell saw but also for resawing on my bandsaw. Thanks for sharing

[@Simonfrios]

I totally agree about the SawStop slider. It would be far superior if you didn't have to recalibrate the fence every time you removed it… I would totally take a fixed 90° fence in exchange for not having to make that adjustment. Nice work!

[@halsti99]

great build! ive seen a couple of people use linear guide rails for builds now and they always seem to work so great! might need to get in on that myself :D also, if you ever need even more capacity, you could also add a fence on the other end of the sled and butt your workpiece behind it, instead of in front of it. thats fairly common on bigger sliding panel saws.

[@JeffreyMoon1974]

Nice build, David! Obviously, what's not included in your estimate is the labor cost related to how many hours you spent building this accessory, but having something built to meet your custom needs is invaluable. For years, I had a Craftsman portable table saw that had a sliding table, and it worked well enough but was not something that I regularly used to make cross cuts. I wish that I had the room in my workshop to add something like this, even though it takes up so very little floor space. Keep up the great content!

[@TheJCinator]

That’s kind of the point of DIY you don’t charge yourself labor and can make things better and cheaper than retail.

[@JeffreyMoon1974]

@@TheJCinator My point is that sometimes you have to weigh the time it takes to build something. Your time is valuable. It's very subjective, believe me. There was a time that I frequently told myself: "I don't need to buy that; I'll make it myself." That's not as true for me in my current situation.

[@adamcoss9147]

I am somewhat new to woodworking, but I have worked in engineering for a few years. I don't think I need a sliding table (yet) but I really enjoyed watching you engineer this and solve the issues as they came up. Great video!

[@kimnach]

Very well done! I admit that I thought about building my own sliding table for my Unisaw; however, I came across a deal for a Jessem Mast-R-Slide about 14yrs ago and it was a fantstic addition.

[@JR-lx8nn]

Thanks for the playing card leveling trick. I do not need one of these big sliding accessories, but the playing card thing made the video time worthwhile. Thanks also for the short bit on the metal shaving hitting your safety glasses. Safety is important, and that is such a simple, yet effective way to remind us of why we need safety glasses. JT

[@donwires5793]

First of all Dave thanks for all the videos you’ve done I’ve learned tons and I’ve been doing a Woodworking for 40 years! This is one of the best things you’ve ever done. I’ve always wanted a sliding tablesaw but didn’t want to spend over 1000 for it if you do the plans, I’ll be first to buy them you could make a lot of money.

[@dngriffiths8105]

Plans would be great! Taking it one step beyond...Dave could sell the complete kits with all components included, and still for a lot less than the SawStop sled. There's a business opportunity here.

[@AlwaysCensored-xp1be]

Lots of useful ideas. Designing a tiny saw bench, had not thought of laminate.

[@poundkake13]

Hi, it's been like 3 or 4 years since I've been in the maker community (life, baby, work). It is INCREDIBLE how esthetic pleasing you've made your videos and your shop in that time. Love it.

[@AdamLVose]

David, I think it's a good call NOT adding an adjustable miter. More functions introduce more compromises to the original idea. Great content, love you man

[@tombrown6584]

Nice job! Like most woodworkers, I understand the crosscut struggle. I had to upgrade a Delta 10 inch table saw, and I figured by the time I spent with money and making jigs, I just went with a Hammer sliding table saw. The slider is 2 meters long and a good size for a hobbiest. Well worth the money and I couldn't be happier. You are going to love the crosscut capacity. Keep up the creativity, and thanks for all the cool videos. I've been subscribed for years and love your content.

[@dandavis5832]

I know how hard you thought and worked on this. Came out great!

[@tpaulsmith7194]

The BEST instructional video I have watched. Very well done. Thank you. I’m impressed.

[@billboy7390]

It looks like it should do the job it is intended for. Look at other styles that have been made over the years. One is Excalibur sliding table. I had one in the 80’s& 90’s I used for years and have one I just bought to add to a Unisaw. Very accurate and easy to remove. I like your idea with a fence like the Excalibur.

[@woogaloo]

You told us good luck at the end, but not to go Make Something so I don't know what to do! I heard y'all talking about it on the podcast, but man it's so much better than I imagined. Andy is a genius when it comes to making new things so I'm glad y'all were able to figure something out. Awesome job.

[@CascadeCreate]

8:21 - YES! This was the answer I was hoping to see. Nicely done, sir!

[@jamisonr]

I bought a set of linear guide rails to do this exact thing last month. They are still in the box they came in. I guess I need to get on it, because it is a great idea!

[@jonathan4605]

Awesome! Watched your video right on time. I'm just about finished with my workbench hoist to lift my 4x8 workbench off the ground and out of sight. Will be working on the top of the bench in a few days and you just made a huge change in my plans. Thank you.

[@christokellerman39]

Great video. I've made a very simplified version of this months ago and have been playing with the more permanent version and plan looks a lot like this. Will be tweaking mine slightly since seeing your and combine some ideas. Thanks👍🏻

[@tonyg7258]

David, I watched this video after hearing you speak about the project on the Making It podcast. I almost never comment on youtube but sir, this is a fantastic piece of engineering and problem solving. And very well presented - anyone interested making the precise cuts that this sliding table affords should have the skills & abilities to piece it together based on the information shown. It was clear that you took your time on this project, thought every piece out carefully, and pulled together top notch hardware and materials. There are so many thoughtful components and outside the box ideas but my favorite is the bushing/pin system that allows the fence to be removeable and adjustable. Amazing work!

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!

[@briannelson4122]

Love it! I've thought about this very thing MANY times and glad you've done the "heavy lifting" on the nuts and bolts designing of it. Thanks!

[@jonathanwelter]

Drill some holes and pound some pegs was stuck in my head last week for some reason. Great video again.

[@markoasdadriver6285]

Looks like an art studio instead of a woodworking shop. Looks amazing. Must have impressive dust extraction ❤

[@Mhakeman]

Ever since you mentioned this on the podcast I’ve been excited to watch. Well done! Now to think about how to do for my table saw!

[@plakor6133]

Izzy Swan has a table extension that clamps onto the fence guide rail that really helps with extending the effective depth of cut. Your solution is much more elegant, but for an interim quick fix his gizmo is very useful.

[@cyberreefguru]

Great project - I used the same linear rails for a router sled. They are great.

[@seansysig]

Sweet design with the linear bearings. They will bind on the dust over time. Maintenance required also use a dry lube.

[@bskill430]

“Rectangular squares” 🤔🤣 That was fantastic! Great mod!! I’m now going to do this to my saw

[@jordanlshepherd]

Loved the project and loved seeing a casual and excited you working your way through it. Great energy! The authenticity shines through and makes it so enjoyable to watch. Great work! Keep it coming!

[@EvanDunville]

That's a pretty awesome addon. I really appreciate you adding the prices in!

[@Karim_teran]

Industrial sliding saw like felder etc, do it backwards. They put the rails on the sliding table and the blocks on the base. This allows for more movement without adding blocks. and you have the rigidity of the rails as support for the sled. Something to consider for 2.0.

[@MakeSomething]

Yes! I’m just learning this. Will definitely do for 2.0. Thanks!

[@danielmutoru2582]

Very realistic. You've made me order the rails, so that I do away with T-tracks and enjoy full blade height. Thanks so much.

[@joshuaherdman3612]

You could always cut spacers with plywood for attaching them parallel. Install one where you want it and ithen put the spacers down foe the second. Im gonna try this project!

[@bradgreen7270]

I’ve been excited to see this since the podcast. Great idea well executed. Thanks very much for the detailed materials list. Keep on keeping on man. Love your stuff.

[@forster46]

Same! Been wanting to add one of these to my saw and now I may have to finally do it

[@thatwasinteresting3319]

Love the Classic Music Videos playing in the background. Great slide table.

[@dmcarpenter3097]

Nice job. I would have probably gone through most of that improvisation even if I had plans, I would have overlooked something in step 5 which would cause a whole rework of the rest of the build.

[@rice0009]

You could still have a cross cut sled with this sliding table along the lines of some of the European sliding table saws I've seen. Just have a panel that drops into the slide that buts up to the blade. A matching stationary plate on the other side to help prevent tipping if you wanted. Then the whole sled slides on the bearings.

[@mindyhall4638]

David-this is an awesome video; love how you are providing an alternative to the way expensive slider tables!

[@FB_Woodshop]

Dave, I’m disappointed you don’t like to get weird at the table saw. That said, this was a masterclass in creativity and shop jig functionality. Bravo sir

[@rocschmidt4863]

As usual, as with your other videos, this one did not disappoint. I have a one-car garage which I use for my woodworking shop, I also keep my car in there as well, that is when I'm not working on a project. I like your videos, they have given me clarity on some of the things I've been wanting to make. Along with your subtle sense of humor, the videos keep me entertained. I just wish I had more space.

[@BitsandWood]

Very cool. I think I'm going to do something similar when I replace my table saw.

[@pteddie6965]

This was way too complicated, difficult and expensive for me to build, but this build was very interesting to watch you build. You certainly have a wonderful table saw set up now. Thanks for the video.

[@LiloUkulele]

instead of steel, i'm making mine out of 80/20 aluminum extrusion. aluminum is easily cut with a chop saw or table saw...just remember to wear your safety glasses!

[@kevinproefrock4857]

The real MVP here is the filter on that mini split head.

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Maybe i should build mine. I already planned it out and have a few of the pieces. I just changed my mind about building it now, and, possibly ill build it at a later date. It was supposed to be integrated into my outfeed table. I decided the outfeed table was more important to make first.

[@ivokolarik8290]

Great video. Improvement idea remove the cast iron table wing and mount it directly to the table saw table that way you are not losing space on side and your slides will be binding less

[@MakeSomething]

Thought about it but that would mean I’d have to cut the two rails that hold the sawstop fence. Wasn’t ready to make that commitment yet but might in the future

[@mikewallace2583]

You are a genius, and miracle worker!!!! I cant wait to try this.

[@lightaces]

So, because the most important place to be supported doesn't change (in line with the blade), it is a good idea to use the rails upside down - the bearings stay stationary, and the most important part being cut is always equally supported.

[@peterdoyle833]

oh my god that's the best thing I've seen on woodworking/cabinetry related KZbin, maybe ever!

[@thewoodpost1428]

Been trying to come up with something like this one to cut a 9ft board straight on one edge. Awesome work

[@G0F15H]

Use a track saw?

[@francisbuil1433]

Hey ! "Génial" !!! thats what I need for my table, here in France Pyrénées ! Impeccable !!! Merci-thanks ! 👍🤣

[@bobsanders1690]

Another inspirational winner!! I had ordered two other steel wings when I bought my Saw Stop - now I'm thinking of using them in a similar fashion!

[@MakeSomething]

oh man, thanks Bob!!

[@richardflorence3927]

I probably would have drilled holes through playing cards and cut them to size of linear bearing, just using playing cards for spacer/shim. ... I think much easier than sizing wood shims.... awesome build.

[@413DaveRN]

The internet will never believe it works without doing the 5 cut method! 😁 Great design. How soon until you see a knockoff on a Facebook ad?

[@masontejera506]

Nice solution! I'm also wanting something similar; I break down a lot of plywood, but the permanent footprint of the Harvey and SS means I might as well just get a 4x8 Avid. Thanks again for all you do David!

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Great project. Thank you for sharing. Trying to think of a way to incorporate that as an attachment to my upcoming all in one workbench. I do have to mention. Every time I watch your videos its like you never work in there, always so clean. I need to, and I think Ellie will agree, get MUCH MUCH better on my clean-up. Keep up the great work.

[@shill71]

This project is next level. I’m doing this project!

[@RedDeath43]

Great job and relatively simple. Nice job not over complicating it!

[@crazyaz9468]

Just for future reference or anyone building the same thing. It would be a lot easier to align the linear rails by placing the one nearest the table saw where you want it and screwing it in on both ends.. Then place one screw at the end of the other one and perform the same task. Doing so will align the opposite end of the rail and keep the first rail parallel with the table. I hope that makes sense

[@christophrothert4340]

I think this is one of the most usefull videos I've watched for a long time. Already thinking about adding this crosscut table to my table saw, when I finally get it, maybe with a few minor changes to it. But really an awesome idea, very well build.

[@chuckh5011]

Try moving the fence up to the middle of the sliding table. That way you can use the miter function and the fence will not be in the way when you are just using the saw with a regular sled.

[@dennisstilger4655]

David is super pumped about this thing. Makes it even more enjoyable to watch. Great job on the build and another excellent video!

[@themullenmarketwoodworking]

This is why I love KZbin. When you’ve seen it all, you haven’t. Thank you man!

[@DeMaulwurfn1983]

Hello, I actually had the same idea for my table saw. Not in this size because unfortunately I don't have that much space. So I think it's great what you've built there :) greetings from Germany

[@mrmoto7682]

This was JSK-koubou-level. Awesome build.

[@MakeSomething]

That is quite an honor but nowhere near the quality of JSK!

[@316woodworks9]

You're really cool. Very innovative. Really good for jobsite saws that have crappy miter slots.

[@jewdd1989]

Finally! Thank you for this build and sharing all the details. I finally upgraded my table saw but it’s not a cabinet saw, not even close to dimensions of your SawStop has but I’ve always wanted one. Others on YT have made them these sliding tables but there wasn’t enough info on building one or where to find the slides… this is awesome, well thought out and glad you switched out the melamine to ply.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

You could always build a table around your saw to make it a bigger surface area and then add this to it. I have a portable table saw but thanks to melamine and some time and some cast iron I had to work with and shape you'd think it was a cabinet saw that I'm now planning on adding this to

[@jewdd1989]

@@woodworkingandepoxy643 That’s what I’m thinking, I have so little garage space but more than any other surface I need a table saw table or bench that can do double duty. Yours sounds functional and well worth the effort, plus I can always add storage to it later. I just love sliding tables, seems like the safest and most functional addition more so than a crosscut sled would ever be

[@WalterMelons]

Wow at that price I’ll keep my dremel but I would like the foredom if I had the need. Good execution of the sliding table.

[@IAmKyleBrown]

My wife has that same tapping oil, great stuff..

[@michaelmyerholtz1191]

Very nice design. Great attention to detail. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

[@georgewilmore7599]

Awesome build! You just saved adventurous woodworkers some money.

[@MESTER47]

If you have the space in your shop, I recommend 126 inches sliding panel table saw. They are the best.

[@stumorrison27]

Much excite! Dave your enthusiasm is coming through almost as much as on the podcast. As always, huge fan. (more weens plz)

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you! ♥️